Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, CA (2023 Update)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $20,332
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Glendale.
The average cost of solar panels in Glendale is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Glendale, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Glendale can save around $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Glendale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,359 |
| 3 years | $-5,187 |
| 5 years | $-5,015 |
| 7 years | $-4,843 |
| 9 years | $-4,671 |
| 11 years | $-4,499 |
| 13 years | $-4,328 |
| 15 years | $-4,156 |
| 17 years | $-3,984 |
| 19 years | $-3,812 |
| 21 years | $-3,640 |
| 23 years | $-3,468 |
| 25 years | $-3,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
For many Glendale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glendale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Glendale, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $42,360 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,786 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,365 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,097 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $100,981 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,018 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,209 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $146,552 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Glendale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glendale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Glendale?
You can't get solar panels for free in Glendale. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Glendale?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.